Rangers Suffer Another Loss to Devils, Falling 6-3

Jack Hughes scores game-winning goal as New Jersey defeats New York for the 7th time this season

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:10am

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The New York Rangers were defeated 6-3 by the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden, with star center Jack Hughes scoring the game-winning goal in the third period. The Rangers struggled on the penalty kill, allowing two power-play goals to the Devils. The loss was the Rangers' second in a row and their 7th against the Devils and Islanders this season, in which they have been outscored 26-9.

Why it matters

The Rangers' struggles against their local rivals, the Devils and Islanders, have put them in a difficult position in the Eastern Conference standings. This latest loss highlights the team's need to improve their special teams play and find a way to contain star players like Jack Hughes, who has dominated the Rangers throughout the season series.

The details

The Devils jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the first period, with Vladislav Gavrikov scoring for the Rangers and Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk responding for New Jersey. Mika Zibanejad and Conor Sheary scored in the second period to tie the game, but Connor Brown and Timo Meier put the Devils back ahead. In the third period, Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal, ripping a shot past Jonathan Quick to give the Devils a 6-3 victory.

  • The Rangers and Devils last met two weeks ago, with Hughes recording a hat trick against the Blueshirts.
  • On Wednesday night, the game was played at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Jack Hughes

The star center for the New Jersey Devils, who has scored 19 goals in 24 career games against the Rangers and scored the game-winning goal in this latest matchup.

Jonathan Quick

The veteran goaltender for the New York Rangers, who made several key saves but was unable to prevent the Devils from scoring six goals.

Mika Zibanejad

The Rangers' top center, who scored a goal in the second period to tie the game at 2-2.

Conor Sheary

The Rangers' winger, who scored his second goal in five games to tie the game at 3-3 in the second period.

Mike Sullivan

The Rangers' head coach, who criticized the team's penalty kill after their previous loss to the Devils two weeks ago.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Rangers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Islanders, another key divisional rival, as they try to climb back into playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Rangers' struggles against their local rivals, the Devils and Islanders, have put them in a difficult position in the Eastern Conference standings. This latest loss highlights the team's need to improve their special teams play and find a way to contain star players like Jack Hughes, who has dominated the Rangers throughout the season series.